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Review #386 of 365
Movie Review of Because I Said So (2007) [PG-13] 102 minutes
WIP™ Scale: $12.75
Where Viewed: Colorado Cinemas Cherry Creek 8, Denver, CO
When 1st Seen: 2 February 2007
Time: 9:50 p.m.
Film's Official Website • Film's Trailer
DVD Release Date: unscheduled
Directed by: Michael Lehmann (40 Days and 40 Nights)
Written by: Karen Leigh Hopkins (Searching for David's Heart) and Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam)
Featured Cast (Where You Might Remember Him/Her From):
Diane Keaton (The Family Stone) • Mandy Moore (American Dreamz) • Gabriel Macht (The Recruit) • Tom Everett Scott ("Saved") • Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls") • Piper Perabo (Imagine Me and You) • Stephen Collins (Blood Diamond) • Ty Panitz (How to Eat Fried Worms)
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word or less review of this film]
Recalling My Best Friend's Wedding, the new Michael Lehmann-directed, Diane Keaton / Mandy Moore film, Because I Said So, has 'just for women' appeal written all over it, but doesn't end up that way. The script by Karen Leigh Hopkins and Jessie Nelson introduces the Wilder Women, a sassy foursome of women led by matriarch, Daphne (Keaton) who broods tirelessly over her three chicks: Maggie (Lauren Graham), Mae (Piper Perabo), and 'baby' Milly (Mandy Moore) to, as psychologist daughter Maggie would suggest, the utter exclusion of her own needs, mental well-being, and probably hide out from the fact that she's about to turn 60 without a life partner for herself—Mr. Wilder apparently having died or skedaddled when Milly was quite young. The film begins with a series of lavish weddings each symbolized by daring and gorgeous cakes. Cake-making being the signature family specialty with both mom and Milly in the official business of cakes. Three sisters, three weddings, and three marriages, the last of the three being a visual ruse for the audience for rather than it being Millie's wedding, Milly's catering company is doing the catering. Preoccupied and determined not to allow Milly to fall into a life of loneliness and utter despair, Daphne does what any modern day mother would do, she places an ad on the internet "Mother Seeking Life Mates for Daughter" and a two-page description of her ideal candidates. In a single, well-scheduled day, she meets 'wrong guy' after 'totally wrong guy' after 'utterly, hopelessly, wrong guy' until, at last, the guitar player, Johnny (Gabriel Macht) in the restaurant she's chosen to use as her backdrop approaches having been observing this and thinking she's after a date for herself, and strikes up a conversation about possibly him being the right guy. Upon learning she's seeking a date not for herself but her youngest daughter, he accepts the challenge, only to be swooped in on and usurped by the handsome architect, Jason (Tom Everett Scott) with whom Daphne instantly falls in love (for her daughter). The two then conspire to create a chance meeting between them, and lead Jason the path to the top of Milly's next wedding cake. Ah, but resourceful Johnny, having swiped one of Milly's catering cards from Daphne at the restaurant, tracks her down and, in a scene that will be long-remembered and parodied, meets her in an embarrassing bout with static cling on the way into her catering kitchen. Instantly, there is far more electricity (pun intended) between the two, than with Jason, and Milly cannot believe her good fortune to suddenly have two eligible and great guys in pursuit after a long spell of 'awful guys'. So, she involves herself deeply with both. Jason seems to be the perfect future husband and provider, though bossy, controlling, and uptight. Johnny, on the other hand, seems to be in sync with Milly's unique earthy style, but he's got a six-year old son whose as rambunctious as they come. When Daphne discovers that Milly is stringing them both along, she implements a plan to successfully push Milly into Jason's arms whom she views as the far better choice for her daughter's future. What she fails to grasp is that she's not picking a mate for herself but for her daughter, and Milly has a mind of her own.
"…charming and romantic comedy…bright and comedic, a perfect Valentine's Day treat…"
This charming and romantic comedy is somewhat predictable from the start. Yet, it's written and directed in such a way as to not make one care. Sure, the outcome may be obvious, and the idea of women picking a true soul mate vs. the safe mate isn't new, however, the execution of these elements in this film were hilarious, delightful, and entertaining nonetheless. I adored Diane Keaton. I always have been a huge fan of hers, but her last two roles: this one and as the Matriach of The Family Stone really demonstrate her playful and charismatic acting style so well. She has always played the semi-neurotic yet remarkably sensible woman perfectly. People need to sit down and write her 20 more great roles that capitalize on her talents for years to come. She's simply irresistible. As for the other principles, Mandy Moore was equally delightful playing the surprised-she's-so-cute, accident prone, chocolate soufflé chef. The conflict within her character gives her a chance to show some range that wasn't possible in American Dreamz. Meanwhile, Gabriel Macht and Tom Everett Scott were examples of inspired casting as the opposing knights in pursuit of Milly's heart. No offense, while each is handsome, neither is probably in Mandy Moore's real league when it comes to cuteness factor, yet this makes for a stronger statement about what's really important in a relationship—how the other person plucks your heart strings. Piper Perabo and Lauren Graham were the perfect complements to the family each adding her own brand of comedy to her scenes. Aside from the predictability factor, there's not a lot else to dislike about the film. It is a bright and comedic perfect Valentine's Day treat for mothers, daughters, life partners, and any one else in search of a little love.
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Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Other Projects Featuring Because I Said So (2007)
Cast Members
Diane Keaton
• Mandy Moore • Gabriel MachtTom Everett Scott
• Lauren Graham • Piper PeraboStephen Collins
• Ty PanitzDirector
Michael Lehmann
Writer
Karen Leigh Hopkins
• Jessie Nelson| DVD | VHS | Related Product |
| Related Magazine | Related Book | Related Book |
Because I Said So (2007) Review-lite [150-word cap]
Recalling My Best Friend's Wedding, the new Michael Lehmann-directed, Diane Keaton / Mandy Moore film, Because I Said So, has 'just for women' appeal written all over it. The script by Karen Leigh Hopkins and Jessie Nelson introduces the Wilder Women, a sassy foursome of women led by matriarch, Daphne (Keaton) who broods tirelessly over her three chicks: Maggie (Lauren Graham), Mae (Piper Perabo), and Milly (Moore) to the utter exclusion of her own needs. This charming and romantic comedy, while somewhat predictable is written in such a way as to not make one care. Keaton and Moore were irresistible. Gabriel Macht and Tom Everett Scott were inspired casting choices as opposing knights in pursuit of Milly's heart. Aside from the predictability factor, there's little else to dislike about the film--a perfect Valentine's Day treat for mothers, daughters, life partners, and anyone else in search of a little love.
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